Worcester, MA --- Western Connecticut State University swept Worcester State University in non-conference softball action this evening at Rockwood Park, taking game one, 5-2, before earning the 7-1 triumph in the night cap.

With the victories the Colonials even their record at 16-16 while the Lancers fall to 12-13 on the year.

In the opener, West Conn got on the board first with a three-run top of the second. Freshman Erin Weber (Rocky Hill, CT) opened the frame with a single and came around to score the games first run on classmate Michaela Roche's (Bristol, CT) single up the middle.

Third-year Kylee Ruther (Stamford, CT) was then awarded home on a balk before Roche crossed the plate on a passed ball for the 3-0 advantage.

The Colonials stretched the lead to five runs with a pair in the third on a two-run double to right by Weber.

The Blue and Gold tried to erase the deficit with some late inning heroics entering the bottom of the seventh inning down 5-0.

Sophomore Katie Storro (Leominster, MA) reached base with an infield single advancing to third on senior Alex Kerr's (Franklin, MA) base-knock through the left side.

Senior Kylene Pease (Ashland, MA) then belted a two-out double down the left field line scoring both runners and giving the hosts life.

However, freshman Emily Cintorino (Bristol, CT) stood tall in the circle and recorded a strikeout looking to end the game.

Cintorino (5-5) recorded the win tossing her sixth complete game of the year, allowing two runs on seven hits with two walks and seven strikeouts.

Pease (0-2) was dealt the loss as she went the first two innings giving up three runs on five hits without issuing a free pass and fanning one batter. Freshman Meghan Rich (Chelmsford, MA) hurled the final five frames for the Lancers, giving up two runs (one earned) and she fanned three.

Weber, Roche, and Ruther along with second-year Nina Wojkiewicz (Griswold, CT) collected two hits a piece to pace an offensive attack that outhit Worcester State, 10-7.

Pease was the only Lancer with a multi-hit performance turning in a 2-for-4 performance with a double and two runs batted in.

Western Connecticut kept the momentum and opened the night cap with a three run first inning.

Sophomore Julia Bocek (Southington, CT) blasted a two-run double to left center and came around to score on a passed ball for the early 3-0 edge.

Bocek was then able to blow the game wide open in the fifth when she smoked a bases loaded triple to right center running the score to 6-0.

WSU scratched a run across in the sixth to erase the shutout as junior Carolyn Hassett (Charlton, MA) led off with an infield single before she stole second and crossed home on Pease's single to right field for the 6-1 score.

West Conn added another run in the seventh for the final score.

Freshman Alexandra Sabith (Meriden, CT) earned the decision in the circle. Sabith (7-6) tossed a complete game four hitter allowing only one run without issuing a free pass and matching a season-best with nine strikeouts.

Second-year Katie Roy (Worcester, MA/ Burncoat) absorbed the setback for the Lancers. Roy (4-2) went the first six innings allowing six runs with no walks and one punch-out.

Bocek was 2-for-4 at the dish with a double, triple and five runs batted to lead the way for the Colonials.

Wojtkiewicz and junior Jessica Caturano (Holbrook, NY) each collected two base-knocks and scored a pair of runs to lead the visitors.

Pease was once again the only hitter recording multiple safties for Worcester State as she turned in a 2-for-3 performance with a two-bagger and a run batted in.

The Copper and Blue outhit the Blue and Gold 8-4 in the night cap.

Both squads return to action Saturday with conference doubleheaders. The Blue and Gold will host Mass. Maritime starting at 12 PM while West Conn heads to UMass Dartmouth with first pitch scheduled for 1 PM.

Story by John Hanna --- Sports Information Graduate Assistant